Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte made a public threat on Saturday, claiming she had hired an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were killed.

Duterte later attempted to clarify her remarks, stating they were an expression of concern rather than a real threat.

The threat prompted the presidential security forces to increase Marcos’ protection and treat the situation as a national security issue.

Duterte’s comments stemmed from political tensions, particularly after her chief of staff was detained over an alleged budget misuse, the Associated Press has reported.

Duterte, who had previously resigned from the Marcos Cabinet, has been critical of Marcos and his allies.

Written by B.C. Begley